The Civil Service Act has been amended to ensure that individuals who return to public office after retirement do not receive retirement pensions during their period of service.

Under the amendment issued on Tuesday, a person who has retired from public service and subsequently holds an elected office, an appointed post, or a position in a State-owned company will not be entitled to receive a retirement allowance or pension for the duration of that appointment or term.

The change follows concerns raised by residents during meetings held by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the Greater Malé Region, where members of the public questioned the practice of retired officials receiving pensions while also drawing salaries and allowances from public office.

In response, the President announced that the rules would be revised to ensure that retirees appointed or elected to public positions would not receive pension benefits while in service.

Similar changes have already been implemented to the Maldives Police pension regulations. In addition, the Civil Service Commission has revised its rules to prevent retired civil servants from receiving pension payments while serving in public roles.

Meanwhile, the Government has also submitted a bill to Parliament proposing to allow retirees to continue serving the State until the age of 75, should they wish to do so.